City News & Updates

A new, locally operated trust is expected to lead the way on physical improvements to revitalize Downtown Huntington. Led by an all-local board of directors, non-profit Flint Creek Redevelopment LLC’s vision is to acquire and rehabilitate Downtown buildings, making much-needed and often long-overdue renovations that will support vibrant, long-term commercial and residential use.

Building enhancements Flint Creek plans to pursue include:

• Tuckpointing
• Foundation repairs
• Roofing
• Fire Code improvements
• Accessibility improvements

Flint Creek Redevelopment LLC intends to pursue a mix of private capital, grants and state/federal tax credits to breathe new life into spaces across Downtown Huntington. The key element is local ownership. A redevelopment project’s value will be retained in the community, not “cashed out” by a developer.

As proposed, a city loan for up to $2 million is being considered to help launch the initiative. Huntington’s City Council has been presented with a plan to provide funding in $500,000 increments, indicating their support with a 6-1 vote on first reading at the August 12 meeting. Further discussion and a final vote are scheduled for the evening of August 26.

The local ownership strategy is modeled after a successful approach that helped restore Van Wert, Ohio’s downtown area. Several Indiana communities are considering similar strategies under the guidance of development consultant PAGO USA.

Flint Creek board members appearing at the August 12 City Council meeting were Matthew Wilcox, Sonya Foraker, Rick Baker and Jim Scheiber. Joel Buzzard also serves as a board member.

Marj Hiner and Ryan Warner assisted Mayor Richard Strick in vetting the strategy and recruiting board members, whose actions and decisions are independent from the City.